bureau crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Q: What are the common meanings of 'bureau' in crosswords?

In crosswords, 'bureau' often refers to a piece of furniture like a desk or a chest of drawers, or to a government department or agency. Context is key to determining the correct answer.

Q: Are there any less common meanings of 'bureau' used in puzzles?

Sometimes, 'bureau' might refer to an information office or an organization providing a specific service, like a 'travel bureau.' These are less frequent but good to keep in mind for tricky clues.

Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling a puzzle and landed on 'bureau crossword clue', you're in the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your crossword with ease.

Solutions for "bureau crossword clue" by Letter Count

4 Letters

DESK: A piece of furniture with a flat top and drawers, used for writing or working.

5 Letters

CHEST: Short for "chest of drawers," a piece of furniture with drawers for clothes, often a synonym for bureau.

6 Letters

OFFICE: A place where business is conducted, or a department within an organization, a common meaning for bureau in government contexts.

AGENCY: A government department or organization, often referred to as a 'bureau,' such as the FBI or Bureau of Investigation.

7 Letters

DRESSER: Another term for a chest of drawers, typically found in a bedroom, similar in function to a bureau.

COMMODE: Historically, a low chest of drawers or a similar piece of furniture, sometimes used as a synonym for bureau.

10 Letters

DEPARTMENT: A principal division of a large organization or government, a broader term that encompasses many 'bureaus'.

More About "bureau crossword clue"

"Bureau" is a fascinating word in crosswords because it has two primary, distinct meanings that puzzle setters love to play with. On one hand, it refers to a piece of furniture—typically a chest of drawers, a dresser, or a writing desk. This usage evokes images of classic furniture pieces found in bedrooms and studies, often with multiple drawers for storage.

On the other hand, "bureau" also denotes a government department or an agency. Think of organizations like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. This meaning points to an administrative unit within a larger governmental or organizational structure. The ambiguity between these two meanings is precisely what makes "bureau" a popular and sometimes tricky clue in crosswords, requiring solvers to consider the context of other intersecting words.

Understanding which meaning the puzzle setter intends is crucial. Look for supporting clues or the length of the required answer to guide you. For instance, a short answer might lean towards furniture, while a longer one could suggest a governmental entity, although this is not always a hard rule.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Mastering crosswords, especially when clues like "bureau" appear, involves a combination of vocabulary, general knowledge, and strategic thinking. Here are some tips to enhance your solving experience:

**Consider Multiple Meanings:** As with "bureau," many words in crosswords have double or even triple meanings. Always think beyond the most common definition.
**Pay Attention to Word Length:** The number of letters is your most concrete hint. Use it to eliminate possibilities immediately.
**Look for Contextual Clues:** Are there other clues hinting at government, furniture, or a specific location? These can help narrow down the meaning of ambiguous words.
**Check for Homophones or Puns:** Some setters love to use words that sound alike but are spelled differently, or witty plays on words.
**Solve Intersecting Words First:** If a clue is difficult, leave it and solve the words that cross its path. Each letter you fill in provides a new hint for the harder clue.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common meanings of "bureau" in crosswords?

In crosswords, "bureau" often refers to a piece of furniture like a desk or a chest of drawers, or to a government department or agency. Context is key to determining the correct answer.

How can I distinguish between the furniture and government meanings of "bureau"?

Look at the length of the answer and other intersecting words. Furniture-related clues might suggest words like DESK, CHEST, or DRESSER. Government-related clues might point to AGENCY, OFFICE, or DEPARTMENT.

Are there any less common meanings of "bureau" used in puzzles?

Sometimes, "bureau" might refer to an information office or an organization providing a specific service, like a "travel bureau." These are less frequent but good to keep in mind for tricky clues.